Showing results by author "Benjamin Medrano" in All Categories

Joy was a giant bee. She never expected to be anything else, but then the god of chaos transformed her hive and many others into the apis, human-like bee-girls. Exiled from her hive, Joy found new friends who could explain the mysterious system that governed those who weren't monsters and who were willing to help her enjoy her new life.

Having rocked the world via high magic that was believed lost, the dungeon Sistina has shown her power at last, as she has done everything in her power to protect those that she loves. Crowned queen of the new city of Beacon, Phynis Constella is searching for allies as full-scale war erupts between her homeland of Sifaren and the fell nation of Kelvanis.

Having rescued thousands of people from being sacrificed, Evelyn could use some peace and quiet. Life has other plans. She quickly finds herself drawn into assisting a deity with a small problem, only to return and find that her great-grandmother has learned of her existence. Being drawn into the affairs of the fey is not for the faint of heart, but Evelyn isn't about to let them manipulate her. Not even if they're family.

Evelyn's deeds are coming back to haunt her. Free to travel among the stars, the former warlord is enjoying her freedom, even if she’s occasionally exasperated by the women who’ve attached themselves to her. They accompany her as she encounters wonders, from dryad terraforming ships to the orcish arenas of Skaloth. Yet Evelyn has enemies, and they have not forgotten her. They target one of the few people she truly cares about, knowing that Evelyn will come. When she does she may be drawn into a trap from which even she can’t escape.

After surviving the depths of Castra's dungeon, Talyn has returned to the surface and caused a seismic change in the city, drawing the attention of those of great power. Now she has to deal with the consequences, for good and ill. As she attempts to find her place in Castra, Talyn's ability to maintain her independence is at risk, yet her previous life has taught her one thing for certain. She will not bow to anyone.

For some, hopes, dreams, and ambitions come easily. Not so much for Lilith. Created by one of the most feared supervillains, Shadowmind, she has no past of her own and only a passing familiarity with the world as it is. With a death sentence hanging over her head due to who created her and how, she escaped into the world to see and explore, and perhaps find a meaning to her life. There, she encounters heroes and villains alike, including those who brought her maker to justice.

The life of a giant bee is a simple one. The life of a giant bee when her queen turns the entire hive into human-like apis to fend off an attack? That’s a good deal more complicated. Getting down from a 50-foot giant rose without wings while surviving the attacks of malevolent wasps is just a start. Surviving long enough to figure out what to do with her new life proves to be something of a challenge, but at least that much is understandable. Of course, that’s when she gets sucked into the tangled web of an ambitious demon lord who’s threatening to plunge the world into a war.

Having successfully driven off an assault and freed captives of Kelvanis, Sistina begins fortifying to defend those she cares about from further attacks. Yet with all her power within her halls, she cannot grant those under her protection true freedom. To truly bring hope to her love, Sistina must delve into who she once was, and bring forth every scrap of magic she has to become a shining beacon of hope.

Ruethwyn learned more in Corval than she imagined was possible, for both good and ill. As an invasion looms over Selwyn, it is time for them to return, seeking answers along the way. Hope and fear intertwine as she searches for a true solution, yet all tastes of ashes. The darkness is coming, but Ruethwyn didn't bow to a dragon, she will not bow to a corrupt mentor. Events will come full circle, and only the relationships she's built give Ruethwyn hope of success.

As war breaks out to destroy Abydon's Blight, Talyn decides to take a much-needed vacation and explore some of the world with her friends and lovers. Unfortunately for Talyn, just because she wants peace and quiet doesn't mean the world is going to give it to her. World walkers are agents of chaos on Garloth whether they like it or not, and Talyn is no exception. Beyond which, the Guardians haven't forgiven or forgotten the trespasses against Talyn, and they'll brook no interference in their vengeance.

Having survived a chance encounter with a demon lordling, and made an immense sacrifice, one might expect Joy to at least have some time to rest and recover. Instead, when Joy’s friends learn what she sacrificed, they decide they’ll repay her, no matter what it takes, and they take the adventurous bee-girl on a quest to find another apis hive which can help her. The demon lord, Alethus, isn’t resting on his laurels, however. His schemes threaten not just Seldrim, but the entire region, and his plots are squarely on a course to intersect with the unwitting group.

Evelyn enjoyed living a nice quiet life in an anarchic pirate port, far from the world she’d once conquered. Then came an attack by mercenaries that made her angry. By the time the dust settled, she had a group of former slaves which she’d freed, her djinn assistant had convinced several of the women that they should join Evelyn’s brand-new harem, and she was looking for a new home, likely aboard a ship.

Some mysteries are shrouded by both time and wars long since past. One of these mysteries revolves around the discovery of the true nature of magic, and the High Mage who ushered in a new era of understanding. Her name was Marin, and her life's work was consumed in the writing of her research. This is Marin's story, and that of her only student, Emonael, as they completed her research. They faced many trials together, and grew to respect one another as few have ever understood, even as others sought to silence the threat she posed to their power.

Danger lurks in the shadows. While the war is over, things aren't so simple for Talyn. Simply returning home is misery, and soon afterward, the Guardians give her a bodyguard so they can step back. A bodyguard who immediately complicates her life. Unfortunately, the consequences of Talyn's actions are finally unfolding. Now conflict is brewing within Castra's guilds. For once, Talyn isn't a target, but that doesn't mean the brewing conflict will avoid those she cares about.

Out of the frying pan, and into the fire. Lilith’s life has been nothing if not eventful since she was decanted from her cloning tank. She’s encountered heroes and supervillains, survived attempts on her life, fought against supervillains, and moved to Paragon City. Unfortunately for her, superhumans like herself are prone to coincidences, even when villainous organizations aren’t targeting her. The invitation to attend a superhero convention is an innocuous start for her, one which allows her to attend with her lovers. Yet the plans of numerous groups are closing in.

Talyn’s in over her head. Talyn is finally beginning to take control of her life in a new world. Learning that her problems aren't natural is a first step, but before she can take true measures, her life takes a turn for the worse. Cast into the depths of Castra's dungeon, she survives only on the sufferance of others. On the other hand, should she live, she will shake the very foundations of the city itself.

Evelyn's parents have been missing for more than thirty years, and at last, Evelyn has a clue as to their fate. Investigating won't be easy, even for someone as powerful as she is, yet she won't be deterred. Her preparations have her requesting aid from those of great power and visiting ancient ruins with hidden dangers, yet all of that pales before what she will encounter.

Having survived the demonic nation of Palto and achieved more than she would've dreamed possible, Ruethwyn and her friends must take the time to recover and collect themselves before continuing their journey to Corval. Dealing with the repercussions will complicate their journey, and adds urgency to Ruethwyn's goals.

Ruethwyn's life may have been destroyed, but now she's ready. With the blessing of the fey and others who she barely dares dream of, Ruethwyn's body is whole once more. Turning to the future, she sets her sight on her beloved who was stolen away by a dragon. Yet even with all her magic at her command, Ruethwyn stands little chance against such a powerful foe, so she must tread lightly.

This is an omnibus collection of Ancient Ruins, Spells of Old, and Halls of Power. The collection has been revised and has several expanded scenes. I must note that this book is dark fantasy, with an emphasis on dark.